...More of the Female Spectator

Mrs. Haywood is described as a "prolific English writer of sensational romantic novels that mirrored contemporary 18th-century scandals. . ." The Female Spectator (1744-46) is the first periodical to be written by a woman.

Excerpts from the Female Spectator, a glimpse at Haywood's responses.

From Book IV

"To know ourselves, is agreed by all to be the most useful Learning; the first Lessons, therefore, given us ought to be on that Subject.- The Parents or Governors of Children can never answer to themselves a Neglect in this Point- Youth should be try'd and sifted, and when the favourtie Propensity is once found out, it will be easy either to eradicate or improve it, according as it tends to Vice or Virtue."

"Reflection, therefore, and Recollection are as necessary for the Mind as Food is for the Body; a little Examination into Affections of the Heart can be of no Prejudice to the most melancholly Constition, and will be of infinite Service to the too sanguine.-The Unhappy may, possibly, by indulging Thought, hit on some lucky Stratagem for the Relief of his Misfortunes, and the Happy may be infinitely more so by contemplating on his Condition."

"Hypocrisy is detestable both to God and Man;- we are told from an unerring Mouth, that those found guilty of it "shall have the lowest Place in Hell," and sure on Earth they merit the most contemptible Treatment from their Fellow Creatures."

From Book VI

"There is one Quality, which has somewhat so heavenly in it; that by so much the more we are possess'd of it, by so much the more we draw nearer to the Great Author of Nature.- Of all the Virtues, it is that which finds Reward within itself, and at the same time most endears us to Society; attoning for almost every other Deficiency.- Of all the Beauties, it is that which attracts the most lasting Admiration, gives the greatest Charm to every thing we say or do, and renders us amiable in every Station, and thro' every Stage of Life."

From Book X

"A beautiful well dress'd Lady, who is acquainted with no other Merit than Appearance, never looks in her Glass without thinking all the Adoration can be paid to her, is too small a Tribute to her Charms; and even those of our Sex, who seem most plain in the Eyes of other People, never fail to see something in themselves worthy of attracting the most tender Homage." [2]